U15 soccer team ready for international experience

By Lethbridge Herald on July 12, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Laryn Hyggen attempts to make a play with the ball as Marlee Hulisz trys to defend against her during practice on Thursday at Lethbridge Sports Park.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Football Club Blue U15 girls soccer team is set to compete in a big international competition in Minnesota next week.

LFC will kick-off competition in Blaine, Minn., on Tuesday at the U.S.A Cup.

“It’s one of the bigger tournaments that’s held and it’s a great opportunity for these girls to face different opponents,” said Janet Clamp, head coach.

“In Alberta, we see a lot of the same people, but more than that, they’re going to grow a lot as a team, (and) having opportunities to spend lots of time together, and travel together and have to support each other (with) being a way for a long time. So we’re excited to see how they grow as people and as players.”

The team has been using a busy season of games to prepare for the tournament.

“We’re playing at least two games in Calgary every week plus two practices and other training sessions,” said Clamp.

“So training as usual and working on making sure that everybody’s prepared and up to speed with their tactical knowledge and healthy.”

Some of the roster is in their first years at the U15 level while others are in their second and Clamp thinks the U.S.A Cup will be good for exposure.

“They’re getting to an age to decide what do I want out of soccer, what do I want out of life, do I want to play college, do I want to do more and we’re small,” said Clamp.

“We get a very small taste in Lethbridge, even in Alberta, as to what’s out there for opportunities and types of players. So I’m thinking this will be a great eye opener and possibly motivating for them to do more with their potential careers.”

Laryn Hyggen is looking forward to the time spent with the team and to see what the competition is like.

“It’ll be good because we can see the different levels,” said Hyggen.

Hyggen sees the team’s strength as being able to react well to whatever happens.

“We don’t get frustrated very easily, we’re always there for each other and we are just supportive no matter what happens,” said Hyggen.

Marlee Hulisz was asked about what the U.S.A Cup could do for the development of the team.

“I think it could make us much stronger, and bring us closer together ,and just make us a better team overall in the way we play,” said Hulisz.

LFC will open the Cup on Tuesday against Minnesota-based East Ridge Athletic Association and will play a game on Wednesday and Thursday in round robin play.

The schedule and results can be found at http://www.usacup.org/schedules under the weeklong schedules.

There are 10 divisions from U9 and up with male and female teams at the U.S.A Cup.

Share this story: